Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a comforting one-pan meal featuring tender orzo pasta cooked with flavorful chicken sausage, aromatic onions, garlic, and a creamy cheese sauce. Enhanced with herbs and optional greens or sun-dried tomatoes, it’s a versatile and satisfying dish perfect for a quick weekday dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced (cheddar, feta, or your favorite variety)
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or feta, depending on your sausage flavor)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup spinach or kale (for extra greens)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (for a Mediterranean twist)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated cheese
- Lemon zest (for brightness)
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics & Orzo: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid.
- Make it Creamy: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar (or feta). Mix until smooth. Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine. If using spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes, mix them in at this step.
- Finish & Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra grated cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, adding it off the heat to prevent curdling.
- Use gluten-free orzo pasta if you need the dish to be gluten-free.
- Feel free to use any variety of chicken sausage you prefer—cheddar and feta are excellent choices for complementary flavors.
- Adding spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes not only adds flavor but also boosts the nutritional value.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
Keywords: Creamy chicken sausage orzo, one-pan meal, comfort food, easy dinner recipe, creamy orzo pasta, chicken sausage skillet
